Politics

Have you ever watched the news and wondered how people can understand all this stuff? Maybe you’re already fascinated and love to debate political issues.

Studying Government and Politics will give you an understanding of the political ideas and system in the UK and the USA.

The skills and knowledge that you develop through this course are useful in themselves as they will empower you as citizens and give you a much better understanding of the world in which you live. As a basis for work or further study, this qualification is extremely valuable and well respected.

Entry Requirements

Grade 5 in GCSE English Literature or English Language

Curriculum Detail (Politics)

Download (pdf)

What will I study?

Politics in the UK

Political parties
Elections and electoral systems
Voting behaviour
How people vote

The Government in the UK

Role and powers of the Prime Minister, Cabinet and Parliament
The judicial system in the UK
The Supreme Court

The Government and Politics of the USA

Politics in the United States
How the USA is run
Comparisons between UK and US politics

Political Ideas

Liberalism
Conservatism
Socialism
Feminism
The key issues in Britain and the USA today

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed by 100% examination (three exams at the end of Year 13).

The exams are 2 hours each.

What else can I get involved in?

For information on all our enrichment opportunities, please see our enrichment programme here.

Further Education and Careers in Politics

Courses you could study at university include:

Economics
History
Law
Politics
Sociology

Careers which require a Politics qualification include:

Civil Service Fast Streamer
Government Social Research Officer
Policy Officer
Political Risk Analyst
Politician's Assistant
Public Affairs Consultant
Public Relations Account Executive
Social Researcher

Preparation Work

You need to complete these tasks over Summer to prepare you for your studies.

Politics Preparation Work